The Strangest Inventions of History (From 1920's, 1930's & 1940's)

“If at first an idea is not absurd,” Albert Einstein famously said, “then there is no hope for it.”

Sometimes, however, absurd is just absurd — yet, even so, it’s a fascinating slice of history’s collective direction of curiosity and experimental innovation. Here comes some of the history’s most weird and wonderful inventions, from wooden swimwear to spectacles for reading in bed, captured in archival public domain images by Holland’s Nationaal Archief.

A Bicycle That Fits A Whole Family + Sewing Machine (1939)

A device that would teach a child how to walk (1939)

Amphibious Bicycle That Can Be Used On Land And In Water (1932)

Baby Stroller Protected From Gas Attacks (1938)

Extending RV (1934)

Face Cones Designed To Protect From Snow Storms And Blizzards (1939)

Glasses That Let You Read While Lying Down (1936)

Ice Cube Mask Designed To Cure Hangovers (1947)

Life Jackets Made From Bicycle Tubing (1925)

Mouthpiece Lets You Smoke Two Cigarettes At Once (1932)

All Terrain Vehicle (1931)

Piano That Can Be Played While Lying In Bed (1935)

Portable and Extendable Bridge (1926)

Precursor To The Hairdryer

Revolver That Takes A Picture Right Before A Shot Is Fired (1938)

Safety Net To Prevent Or Reduce Injuries To Pedestrians (1924)

Single Wheel Motorcycle (1931)

Special Contraption That Lets You Smoke In The Rain (1931)